Palestinians meet in Gaza for reconciliation talks

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — A senior Hamas leader based in Egypt is in Gaza for talks aimed at reaching a reconciliation agreement between the two rival Palestinian groups, Hamas and Fatah.

Moussa Abu Marzouk is meeting Hamas leaders in Gaza on Monday ahead of a visit by Fatah officials on Tuesday. Hamas freed 10 Fatah prisoners before the meetings as a good-will gesture.

Palestinians have been divided since 2007 when Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip from forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah. Since then, Hamas has ruled Gaza while Abbas governs some areas in the West Bank.

Past reconciliation attempts have failed.

It was unusual for Cairo to allow the visit since Egypt is cracking down on the Muslim Brotherhood group, of which Hamas is an offshoot.